Lighting unit



March 6, 1934. 1 A. COY 1,949,79

LIGHTING UNIT Filed OCT.. l2, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet l wfg. 4.

March 6, 1934. A Coy 1,949,709

LIGHTING UNIT Filed Oct. 12. 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 "3 50 ma mem@ L@ j,

64 lNJUL/'Tl E6 6 INSULHTION www March 6, 1934. A. CQY 1,949,709

LIGHTING UNIT Filed Oct. l2. 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Mar. 6, 1934 UNlTED STATES PATENT LIGHTING UNIT Application Gctober 12,

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to lighting fixtures and particularly to that type of fixture that directs the light from a suitable source to a desired area while the light source is shielded from ordinary view. Among the objects of the invention are the provision of easily assembled units for use singly or in series and which consist of casings, receptacles for lighting elements and reectors.

Another object is to provide a device of this kind wherein the casing and reflector provide between them a channel or way in which electric wires or a conduit for such wires may be conveniently disposed.

Another object is to provide a `structure which is generally adaptable to the fabrication of show window lighting, show case lighting and kindred uses as well as to bank desk and cashier cage lights and to table and desk types of reading lamps and also hotel bed and picture lights.

Another object is to provide lighting fixtures of each of the types mentioned wherein the refiector is mounted and removed without the use of tools and constitutes a means of retaining the other parts of the fixture in position.

Another object is to provide a structure of this kind in which ample ventilation and better than usual dissipation of heat is had.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of one form of the device of the invention as applied to the interior of wood ribbed show case.

Fig. 2 is a view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental view showing the device of Fig. 1 applied to a frameless glass show case.

Fig. 4 is a detail view of a fastener used in the construction in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of a double fixture of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. l is a fragmental view of a modified form of lighting unit.

Fig. 8 is a view taken on line 8 8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of a cashier cage lighting fixture of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a View taken on line 16-10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a color screen of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a iragmental cross sectional view showing the color screen.

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of a small window lighting unit.

Fig. 14 is a view taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13.

1931, Serial N0. 568,419

(Cl. .M0-6) Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a window lighting unit with a modied form of receptacle holder for the device of the invention.

Fig. 16 is a view taken on line 16-16 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a fragmental View showing the mounting of glass in the device of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a fragmental perspective View showing the mounting of louvers in the lighting units as applied to `show windows.

The device of the present invention consists essentially of a unit casing which is preferably of sheet metal and of such size, shape and cross section as may be desired to adapt it to the desired uses heretofore mentioned. Within such casing is a split or divided receptacle or socket for receiving an illuminating means of any kind which may be an incandescent lamp. Means are provided for retaining the parts of the split recepe tacle in position and in assembled condition and reector means are provided to perform, in addition to their ordinary function, the function of holding the split socket and retaining means in position so that they cannot be dismantled without first removing the reflector. The reflector furthermore provides an isolated space within which electric wires or a conduit for such Wires may he disposed. The devices of the invention can be assembled and dismantled without the use of tools.

As previously mentioned the unit housings may be of a size and shape to conveniently adapt them to interior show case lighting. This form and size of housing may be best understood by reference to Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive, and Fig. 14. This form in substantially identical or slightly modied arrangement is also adapted for use as picture lights, desk and reading lights, hotel bed lights, cashier cage and bank desk lights, etc.

Figs. 9 to 15 inclusive are illustrative of the unit casings and accessories which are adapted to show window lighting, stage lighting effects and in fact all forms of lighting including the relatively indirect lighting methods embraced in this general category.

The bi-partite or split socket or receptacle employed with the unit of the present invention is described herein in connection with the complete unit only in such detail as will provide a clear understanding of the simple mounting and removal and wiring thereof. This may be best seen in one of its simpler forms in Fig. 6. Figs. 6, 7, 9, 13, and 16 show several methods of mounting the split receptacle. Referring now in detail to the drawings attention is directed to Fig. 2 wherein there is shown one form of the device having cis.l

i shifting.

lamp-receiving socket 4l., l carries a finger 42 which passes through a lateral longitudinal sides 20 and 21, ends 22 and. 23 and a right angled member 24-24 connecting sides 20 and 21. The parts 20, 24--24 and 21 may be formed o a single sheet of metal while the ends 22 and 23 may either' be struck from the same sheet and bent and secured in position or separately struck and secured in position. The manner of securing is preferably by welding, although any other of the commonly known means for connecting sheet metal may be employed if desired. At the meeting edge of the parts 24-24 there may be provided a variety of perorations 25 so as to adapt the device to facile mounting by means of screws to the rim or wooden edge-strip of show cases. The unit casing may also have a plurality of narrow slots 26 for receiving the bendable tongue 27 of a T-snaped fastener 28 whereby show case lights oi this type may be mounted in the interior corners of all-glass show cases (see Figs. 3 and 4) Such lighting units may be single, employing one illuminating means such as an incandescent lamp 29 as shown in Fig. 2 or, as shown in Fig. 5 the unit may be double.

The sheet metal unit casing, in each of its forms, is provided with either complete or interrupted longitudinal ilanges for the purpose oi supporting the reflectors therein, and, in certain of the smaller forms, to also support the two-part socket or receptacle.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. l and 2, lugs 30 and flanges 31 are provided on sides 2O and 21 adjacent the ends 23 and 22 respectively. The material intermediate the flange and lug on each side is turned inwardly and upwardly to eiect a strong and smooth edge for the sides.

The two-part receptacle comprising an insulating member 32 and a bottom or cover piece 33 may simply be entered between walls 20 and 2l and then pushed back to rest on flanges 3l and thus retained in position by reflector 34 which rests on the ends of anges 3l and on lugs 30. The reector 34 is generally U-shaped or of suitable angular trough shape and the resiliency of the sides permits them to be brought together sufciently to enter the reector into the casing unit and released to spring outwardly and seat on the lugs and flanges. With the reflector in place the receptacle 32-33 is held against longitudinal Wiring for the receptacle may be entered through either end of the casing, with or without the use of a conduit. The conductor wires pass through bushing 35 at one end and thence between the casing and the reflector 34 to the receptacle 32-33 and through an aperture in member 32 after which one wire 3G is ccnnected to a binding post 37 of the receptacle and the other wire 38 is connected te the opposite binding post 39. In the preferred embodiment of the receptacle shown herein in single form in Fig. 2 and in duplex form in Figs. 5 and 6, the insulating block 32 carries all of the electrical parts. These consist simply in a plate 40 which has permanently connected thereto the metal and plate 42 which aperture at the base or" the socket and has an insulating piece 44 interposed between it and socket. The receptacle may be assembled and connected to the wires before setting it into the casing unit. simplifies the entire range of operations in installation, servicing and repair. A screw driver is the only tool reduired for entire operation of assembly, and it is required Y only in connecting the Wires.

The duplex and single receptacles diner merely in the provision of two metal sockets on plate 40 instead of one, and the provision of two fingers 43 on plate 42 instead of one, and the obvious reduction in the length of block 32 with a cover at the end instead of at the center.

The modification shown in Figs. 7 and 8 c0nsists essentially in the provision or" a metallic cross strip 45, integral with or connected to franges 3l, which serves to additionally support the receptacle and strength the casing unit.

t should be noted that in the embodiments illustrated Figs. l tol S inclusive, the small size of lighting unit has been considered. This type is distinguishable from the hereinafter described other forms not only in size but by the fact that the receptacle seats against the casing unit walls which form the principal means i'or positioning the receptacle. A separate reflector is used in each end of the duplex type of small reector and they definitely position the receptacle on the supporting anges and prevent displacement regardless of how the units are mounted. End reflectors 4S are used in most installations and they are inserted first and held in place by the trough shaped reiiectors.

The next larger size ci casing unit is illustrated in Figs. 9, l0, 13, and 14. This type variously usable with slight changes and additions to wall case, small show window, bank and counting- CII house desk, and a multitude of other forms of lighting wherein a moderate amount of space may be used for lighting equipment.

Referring now to Figs. 9, l i3, and 14, the lighting unit casing comprises a top wall 47, a depending rear wall 48 and a depending iront wall 49 which is in more embodiments preferably made of a lesser depth than the wall 48. End walls 56, one or both ci which are perforated adjacent the top to receive conduit and bushings 5l. The free edges of walls 48 and 49 have inwardly extending longitudinal. flanges 52.

When adapting this orining of casing unit to check desks and the like the end walls 50 carry inwardly projecting threadedly perforate lugs 53 and a bottom glass cover 54 rests against flanges 52 and is retained in position by means of screws 55 extending through suitable perforations in the glass into lugs 53. The lamp receptacle mounting means may either be a centrally disposed arrangement for receiving a duplex type of receptacle or the mounting means may be provided at one or both ends. These structures will now be described in detail.

In embodiments wherein the receptacle holders are in the ends of the casnigs there is provided a partition 56 spaced from the end wall 50 sufliciently to permit the insertion of one of the two-part receptacles between them. The partition 56 has one of its upper corners cut oiT at 57 to provide an opening through which wires may enter and leave the compartment formed between the end walls and partition. A pair of cross bars 58 are secured at opposite ends to the partition and end wall respectively and they in turn support a pair oi resilient clamp arms 59. The twomart lamp receptacle 6G may be wired and then positioned between the resilient arms 59 and held in position. Partition 56 is periorated so that an illuminating device such as an incandescent lamp 29 may be passed through the hole in the partition and screwed into the socket in the lamp receptacle. The flanges 52 support the reflector 61 in position.

An alternative form of this structure is best seen in Figs. 9 and 10 wherein, intermediate the ends of the casing there is provided a strip metal stirrup 62 rigidly connected to the walls 48 and i9 by struts 63 and 64. The two-part receptacle, in this embodiment wired and assembled exteriorly of the casing and then slid longitudinally into the stirrup or seat formed by the member 62 and is frictionally retained therein. In this embodiment the reector 6l is centrally apertured providing edges 65 and 66 which respectively rest upon struts 68 and 54 and clear the opposite ends of the receptacle 60. Suitable perfoi-ations 67 may be provided in the top of the unit for receiving a fastening means for mounting the lighting units of this type.

In Figs. l5, 16, and 17, the larger form of casing unit is illustrated. This form of the device is adapted for show Window lighting, stage light effects and similar applications wherein the larger type of lighting elements for example Mogul type of incandescent lamps are employed. The casings comprise end walls 68, rear wall 69 and front wall 70, and a top wall 7l. The end Walls 68 are chanifered off as at 72. A saddle member 73 extends from the front wall 79 to rear wall 69 and is suitably secured thereto and this structure is further supported at one end by a fixed partition 74 with oppositely extending lugs 75 and 76 secured to the top 7l. A pair of lugs 77 project upwardly above the face of the saddle 73. The saddle is longitudinally apertured from a point 78 to its opposite edge 79. At the said edge 79 a removable partition 89 having lugs 8l and 82 corresponding to the lugs and 76 and having lug 83 corresponding to lug 77. One or more flngers 84 engage the interior face of the saddle 73 to hold the removable partition 8l) in place. Mounted on the saddle is a U-shaped stirrup 85 which, together with the face of the saddle forms a rectangular way for slidably receiving a two-part lamp receptacle 86. This receptacle may be constructed substantially after the fashion of the receptacle shown in Fig. 6 but may form a block of complete rectangular cross section. The Wiring is entered through a perforation 87 in one of the end walls 68 and is brought through the slot or opening in the saddle and connected to the lamp receptacle. Here again connections may be made while the receptacle is detached and the receptacle subsequently replaced between the stirrup and saddle. After the receptacle is in position the removable partition is inserted and the pairs of lugs 77 and 83 now retain the receptacle against longitudinal shifting. The reflector 88 is formed preferably with a series of angular bends 89 and is centrally apertured to provide edges 90 and 91 which seat respectively on the saddle 73 and against partitions 7 4 and 80. In this way the removable partition 80 is securely locked in place and the wiring indicated generally at 900 is isolated and concealed from view.

Longitudinal flanges 910, which are preferably notched out as at 92 permit the reflector to be inserted in position and then rest upon the fianges. In this way the entire Luiit is held in assembled form and free from accidental displacement. It is a simple matter for a maintenance man or installation operator to insert a screw driver or other small object in one of the notches 92 in order to press the edge of the reflector clear of the flange and thus remove the reflector and subsequently dismantle the remainder of the structure. The flange 9l0 may be used to support louvers 93 or a prism 94 glass sheet or a color .screen and frame indicated generally as 95 in Fig. 11 and structurally detailed in Fig. 12. It will be at once apparent that the manufacturer, jobber, retailer, or user can readily convert standard stock built up in this fashion to adapt it to various uses without it entailing any appreciable additional expense.

The reflector with its longitudinal bends is at all times in proper relation to the center of illumination in the illuminating units employed so that various sizes of incandescent lamps maybe employed without requiring either replacement or adjustment of the reflector.

The color screen comprises a pair of rectangular frames 96 of metal which is U-shaped in cross section, one of which has spaced parallel rods or Wires 97 extending lengthwise and the other of which has spaced parallel wires 98 extending transversely. A transparent colored sheet, such as a gelatin sheet 99 is placed between the frames 96 and the frames are then removably clipped together with U-shaped clips 100.

The color screen is easily changed by removing clips 190 and replacing the sheet 99 with one of a dierent color.

The louvers 93, glass 94 and color screen 95 are all interchangeable in the lighting unit, each being tiltable for entry into and removal from the space between flanges 910 which support any of them in an operative position.

It should be noted that the units of the invention possess the added advantage of forming a Ventilating way behind the reflectors so that the devices never become so hot that they cannot be touched. The Wiring is entered into the ventilating space behind the reflectors so that it is concealed.

What is claimed is:

l. In combination a casing having a top, sides and ends, a split receptacle slidably supported in the casing against lateral shifting and an independently removable reflector member seated in said casing with the end thereof abutting both parts of the split receptacle and retaining the receptacle against longitudinal shifting and removal.

2. In combination an open bottomed trough shaped casing, a two-part receptacle for an i1- luminating means, fixed means to slidably receive said two-part receptacle for holding the parts thereof together and to position them laterally of the casing, ange means on the bottom of the casing and an independently removable reflector having free edges seating on said flanges and having an end edge at an angle to said free edges serving to retain the receptacle against removal, said reflector and casing providing between them an isolated way for housing connecting wires for said receptacle.

3. In a lighting unit the combination of a casing having sides, ends, and a top, flange means on said sides, an electric receptacle comprising a socket carrying block and cover for said block, fixed means slidably receiving the block and cover for retaining them together and in position in the casing and an independently removable reflector sheet disposed in the casing and seating on said flange means and having an end edge movable across the receptacle for precluding removal and displacement of the receptacle parts when the reflector is in operative position in the casing.

4. In a device of the class described an elongated metal casing having an open bottom and closed sides, ends and top, a two-piece receptacle, said receptacle being of such cross section as to seat snugly into the casing, flange means to support the receptacle in operative position, and independently removable reector means seating on said flange means whereby the reflector is retained in the casing and the receptacle is held against removal by the reflector.

5. In a device of the class described the combination of an elongated open bottomed casing, a receptacle having a pair of axially aligned sockets extending in opposite directions, means in the casing for slidably receiving said receptacle, and means including a reiiectcr member removably seated in the casing and having an edge freely movable across the receptacle for retaining the receptacle against longitudinal movement and removal.

6. In a device of the class described the cornbination of an elongated lighting unit casing perforated at its ends for the passage of electric wires, a duplex receptacle, a saddle extending transversely across the casing intermediate its ends, a stirrup forming, together With the saddle, a means for slidably receiving the receptacle, and a reflector member removably supported with the casing and providing a Wire receiving passage communicating with the receptacle and also retaining the receptacle against displacement in and removal from the receptacle receiving means.

7. In combination, a casing, a transversely disposed slotted saddle therein, a stirrup carried by the saddle, a. xed partition at one side of the saddle, a removable partition at the opposite side of said saddle, means on the removable partition to frictionally retain it in position, a two-piece receptacle insertible between the saddle and stirrup whereby the parts of the receptacle are held together, wiring for said receptacle extending beneath the saddle and partitions, lugs on said partitions for positioning the receptacle longitudinally of the casing and an apertured relector seating over the saddle and partitions for holding the removable partition against displacement and for concealing the Wiring which is connected to the receptacle.

8. In combination, a saddle member, a stirrup mounted thereon, the saddle being slotted from one side inwardly beneath the stirrup, a fixed partition and a removable partition at opposite sides of the saddle, a two-part receptacle member having receiving sockets extending toward opposite ends thereof, the receptacle being longitudinally slidable between the saddle and stirrup and seating over the slot in the saddle, lugs on the partitions serving to hold the receptacle against longitudinal shifting on the saddle, a casing serving as a mounting means for the saddle, ange means on the casing, a reiiector having an aperture therein, said reflector seating in the casing with a portion of said saddle and partitions projecting through the aperture and electric wiring extending through the casing behind the reiiector and operatively connected to the receptacle through the slot in the saddle.

9. In a device or" the class described the combination of a housing, a bipartite receptacle, means supporting the components of said receptacle in superposed relation within the housing, and an independently removable reflector member seated in the housing and having an end edge disposed in a plane substantially common to that of the adjacent end of the bipartite receptacle and cooperating to preclude an end- Wise movement of the receptacle beyond said plane.

JOSEPH A. COY. 

